Waterville commercial area undergoing growth as building of bank begins; other work planned

12/11/2012

Some new Waterville neighbors are moving into the Kroger store area.

Construction of a Farmers & Merchants State Bank has begun, and a pharmacy and gas station are also planned for the Villages of Waterville Landing, along State Rt. 64 and near the new U.S. 24.

The new businesses are just the first phase of a long-term development plan that someday could include motels, fast-food restaurants, and other businesses in the area, said Tom Schlachter, president and chief executive officer of Farnsworth Investors Inc.

The investment firm owns, and hopes to eventually develop, about 350 acres.

“The city has been very cooperative and eager to accommodate us and buyers,” Mr. Schlachter said. “In the spring we’ll break ground for a new tenant building on the Kroger site.”

Waterville Municipal Administrator James Bagdonas said the growing city welcomes the development.

To accommodate the increased traffic, the city has widened the four approaches of State Rt. 64.

“It’s good news,” Mr. Bagdonas said. “We were prepared to accommodate it.”

According to the investment company’s plans, a new pharmacy will be built on the south side of Waterville-Swanton Road, across from Kroger.

A new gas station would be across the street from the Kroger gas station.

Kroger opened its doors two years ago.

The new Farmers & Merchants State Bank is expected to be open by late March or early April, said Marty Filogamo, a spokesman for the bank.

The new full-service branch will be about 4,000 square feet, or about the same size as the one in Perrysburg, he said.

Contact Federico Martinez at:fmartinez@theblade.comor 419-724-6154